Working from multiple computers/importing

[Shawn42]

Read through the manual on importing XL files but still having issues, mainly with where images fit into importing sequences made by others. I move over the xml and rgbeffects file but I either have to reconnect the image by re-linking it or the image is no longer there.
I am having this issue trying to work from two computers as well, so I know the issue has got to be something that I am neglecting to do in both situations.
Can anyone explain how to properly work with images from sequences created by others or how I can properly save my sequences to be able to be used across 2 computers without losing the image files?

[keithsw1111]

Name your folder the same as the person who created the sequence. When you open it all the images should be corrected automatically. Then save their sequence. From then on it will refer to images in that location so don't move them or delete them.

[Gilrock]

Yep I'd say we have some work to do in this area.  Using Logan's Troll sequence shows how painful the process can be.  Face definitions are pointing to the wrong directory and image files cannot be fixed without manual editing of the files.

[keithsw1111]

In part that is because of they way Logan packages the files I believe. Although I think the faces not being fixed is a bug.

[Gilrock]

I just don't want any artwork images in my show directory unless they are in sub-directories so I'd like a way for us to auto-search sub-directories or a standard naming convention for sub-directories to find them.

[keithsw1111]

I thought we did.

[pixelpuppy]

I just don't want any artwork images in my show directory unless they are in sub-directories so I'd like a way for us to auto-search sub-directories or a standard naming convention for sub-directories to find them.

+1

[Shawn42]

Ok, a little more understandable.

So someone sent me their xml and rbg file. I am fine with using their rgbeffect file and opening their sequence, but  the images are never there. Do I need to ask for the images from the person that created the sequence?

[Shawn42]

I think I may have figured out my issue. My laptop name was Shawn and the desktop that I am running my show on is named Xlights. So the image path was
C:\Users\Shawn\Documents\Xlights\Christmas Can Can\16_48.png

on the laptop and

C:\Users\Xlights\Documents\Xlights\Christmas Can Can\16_48.png

on the desktop.

Rename the computers the same thus the path being the same?

[Gilrock]

Well that's not really a computer name its the user account name you are logging onto the machine with.  Even if you don't see a logon screen its still using an account you setup to auto-login.

I think the solution is quit using your user documents area....that's just where Windows wants you to work but break free and use your hard drive however you like.  I always create a directory called "c:\xLights".  Then under there I have all the years.  Then under each year I have Christmas, Halloween, P10 Panel, and other show folders.  I also have a "c:\xLights\users" directory where I store all the show folders for users I help.  My favorite show folder for testing is "c:\xLights\users\TotalNoob".  Then when some users need help that annoy me I use "c:\xLights\users\total_loser".  I wonder how many of them were smart enough to notice the show folder when I show them a video of things working...lol.

[jnealand]

Thanks for todays laugh Gil.

[Shawn42]

Lol, got it.

Thank Gil.